Mass, energy, gravity, space, time and math

In summary, Zz.Dremmer argues that we cannot perceive things directly and provides an example of color as something that can be perceived directly. However, they also point out that this perception of color is still indirect as it involves detecting a frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum. They also question why we have not developed a sensory apparatus for measuring mass or gravity fields.
  • #1
Dremmer
92
0
Can we perceive these things directly? I'd say we can't. We can only perceive them indirectly. We have no senses to directly perceive these things.
 
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  • #2
Provide an example of something that you consider to be perceived "directly".

Zz.
 
  • #3
Dremmer:
We have no senses that perceive anything "directly", so frankly, I don't see your point.
 
  • #4
We do not even know in full detail what goes on when we "perceive".
 
  • #5
ZapperZ said:
Provide an example of something that you consider to be perceived "directly".

Zz.

Color. We can directly perceive an object's color, but not its mass.
 
  • #6
Dremmer said:
Color. We can directly perceive an object's color, but not its mass.

How is this "direct"?

"Color" is some frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum. So one actually detects the frequency via some means, either using a resonant circuit/system, or in the case of visible light, via your eyes, which convert it to electrical impulses in your optical system.

So why is this more direct than detecting mass of an object?

Zz.
 
  • #7
dremmer:
Somewhat more interesting questions would have been, for example:
1. Have we reason to believe that phenomena not appreciable by our sensory apparatus can as reliably be measured as those phenomene we may also perveive with our sensory apparatus?

2. Why have we not developed a sensory apparatus that measures the mass of objects, or differences in the various local gravity fields?
 

1. What is the relationship between mass and energy?

The relationship between mass and energy is described by Einstein's famous equation, E=mc^2. This means that energy and mass are interchangeable, and one can be converted into the other.

2. How does gravity affect objects?

Gravity is a force that pulls objects towards each other. The strength of this force depends on the mass of the objects and the distance between them. The larger the mass, the stronger the force of gravity.

3. What is the concept of space-time?

Space-time is a concept that describes the four-dimensional continuum in which all events occur. It combines the three dimensions of space with the dimension of time, recognizing that they are interconnected and influence each other.

4. How does math play a role in understanding these concepts?

Math is the language of science, and it plays a crucial role in understanding these concepts. Mathematical equations and formulas are used to describe the relationships between mass, energy, gravity, space, and time, and help us make predictions and understand the world around us.

5. Can mass, energy, gravity, space, and time be measured?

Yes, all of these concepts can be measured in different units. Mass is measured in kilograms, energy in joules, gravity in newtons, space in meters, and time in seconds. Scientists use a variety of tools and techniques to accurately measure these quantities.

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